The Max Level Hero Has Returned!-Chapter 1308

The madness by the masters who’d been struck by inspiration was truly overwhelming.

They had struggled aimlessly without someone in the lead. Once Mute became their anchor, they unleashed their talents without restraint, pushing their synergy with Super Ribbon to the limit and creating the best performance possible.

Maybe that was why. The more they pinned their hopes on Super Ribbon, the more exhausted she became.

Yet, perhaps it was because she wasn’t human, or maybe she really enjoyed what was going on. Either way, Super Ribbon absorbed the expertise of each maestro at an astounding pace before making it her own.

Technically, Mute was her teacher, but after laying down her foundation, she instead chose to simply observe as she grew on her own.

From Davey’s perspective, the only two things that mattered were if Mute and Super Ribbon were enjoying themselves.

The arranged preparation time was supposed to be just one month, a relatively brief period for such a performance, but no one cared.

Centered around Mute, the prideful geniuses banded together tightly. Surprisingly, everything moved along smoothly as the ensemble took shape.

Professors and renowned musicians even tried to use their influence to lend support to the performance in any way they could. However, Si-Hyun refused their offers.

After all, he had been the one to start it all, so he intended to take full responsibility and give Super Ribbon the best concert she could ever have.

Bang!!

However.

“What kind of bullshit nonsense is that?! What do you mean you can’t give us permission to perform?!” Si-Hyun shouted into his phone.

An official’s voice answered him on the other end of the line.

- This isn’t a formally registered event, and the paperwork is extremely complicated. We simply cannot allow something like this to happen on such short notice.

The related association refused to grant approval for their concert.

The reason was simple.

- Mr. Park, you are currently under a concert ban.

He was stunned. “What did you say?”

- The reason is... Hmm, looks like it’s showing a breach of contract.

Si-Hyun erupted in fury over the absurd accusation. “That’s ridiculous! What contract did I breach?!”

- Also, a few of the others in the group have received bans as well.

“Don’t talk nonsense! Why would they be banned?”

- Well, I’m not sure either. I don’t know what to tell you. Maybe try performing on the street? Just keep in mind, since that would be considered an official activity, those who perform with you may face penalties as well.

The response made it obvious that they had no intention of approving his group’s performance whatsoever.

Honestly, Si-Hyun didn’t want Super Ribbon’s performance to become a mere street show.

On top of that, there were also technical and equipment issues involved.

“Fine, then tell me what I supposedly violated,” Si-Hyun growled through clenched teeth, but the reply that followed made his blood boil.

- Sorry, but for matters like this, you’ll have to come in person. Personal verification is essential.

‘Bullshit!!’

Enraged, Si-Hyun threw his smartphone.

Of course, he had no intention of bowing to that damned International Music Association. He didn’t start playing music just so he could kiss up to bastards like them.

Still, even if he didn’t care about the personal consequences he’d face, he knew he couldn't let Super Ribbon be dragged into it. He had no intention of letting his own ambitions stand in the way of her future.

Bzzzz. Bzzzt.

‘Who the hell is calling me now? Give me a break.’

Annoyed, Si-Hyun picked up, only to realize the caller was the most irritating person he knew.

- You look like you’re in a tight spot, Mr. Park.

“Brady...”

He was one of the members of the orchestra Si-Hyun walked away from. He also happened to be the person Si-Hyun despised most.

- I heard the rumors. I decided to give you a call, and thought I could help out a little.

“I’ve got nothing to say to you, so get lost!”

Even exchanging a single word with Brady was irritating. Si-Hyun pulled the phone away from his ear in order to hang up.

He would’ve ended the call, if only Brady hadn’t said what came next.

- You do know my father is a high-ranking official at the International Music Association, right?

“Brady, don’t tell me...”

- Let’s keep this civil, shall we? I heard you’ve managed to win over some of those reclusive maestros. I’m sure there’s room for one more, right?

“Brady!!”

- I’m a musician too, dear old friend. If you just give me a spot, well, who knows? Things might change. I might even be persuaded to ask my dad to clear up all those pesky misunderstandings.

Si-Hyun’s hand trembled in fury at the scummy proposal coming through the phone.

‘Musician, my ass!! He just wants a piece of the spotlight. Does he really think I wouldn’t know that he’s just trying to latch onto a hot project and snatch some glory for himself?’

- Don’t forget, Park Si-Hyun. Just like you pursue your own goals through music, so do I. I’ve got talent, and I’ll use it to build a name for myself. You don’t have the right to tell me otherwise.

“Then don’t get in my way and just disappear, you bastard.”

- How could I, when given an opportunity like this? Let’s not make this messy. It’s not like I’m going to ruin the performance.

“What a joke. You don’t even realize that your very presence is a disruption, do you?”

- Now, now. That’s just hurtful. Have you forgotten that you’re still under contract with our orchestra? After you bailed without permission, we’ve suffered significant losses. How do you plan to compensate for that?

“I did everything according to the contract. What problem do you think there could be?”

- Oh, how foolish of you to think that way. You really should’ve read the fine print, pal. Sure, you’re free to leave the orchestra, but that requires approval from both Professor Rommel and me. There’s a very clear clause that you can’t be active in the music scene for a certain period after you leave.

His smug tone made Si-Hyun’s eyes widen with rage. “What kind of bullshit is that?! I never saw any such clause!”

- Exactly. That’s why I called you foolish. You should’ve read it carefully, I assure you it was all there. Wording is everything in contracts.” 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

“Brady, you son of a bitch!!”

- Hey now, let’s relax. I’m not trying to sabotage the performance. But since you left and caused damage, you need to make it up to us—to me. I have three conditions. First, give me a spot. Second, make sure I get an important part at the least, if not the lead. Lastly, this event needs to run under the Frederick name. Do that, and not only will I stay out of your way, I’ll even fully support you in every aspect.

The Frederick Foundation was owned by Brady's parents. It was also what he had tied the orchestra to after taking control.

In short, he wanted to take all the good stuff without lifting a finger.

- It’s your choice whether you accept or not, but come on, aren’t we all busy people? If you keep dragging things out, it’ll only get more interesting. Without the association’s support, you’ll probably struggle just covering the basics of living. If I’m not mistaken, you already owe Frederick a bit, don’t you?”

Si-Hyun clenched his teeth. Still, he hesitated.

Sure, Brady was a piece of shit, but it wasn’t like he lacked skill. At the very least, if things came to a point where he’d be in the way of Super Ribbon or anyone else, Si-Hyun could just step aside and separate him from it.

However, he didn’t want to do that. He wanted to finish the performance alongside Super Ribbon, the maestros, Davey, and that mysterious being known as Mute.

That was the desire burning in his heart. He knew he could fulfill it if he just smoothed out a few things.

The biggest issue was that he’d been officially banned. Next was funding.

He quickly thought through his options and made up his mind.

Just as he was about to give an answer.

Tap.

Without warning, someone flicked the bottom of his phone, knocking it right out of his hand. Before he even realized they were there, someone had come up to him.

The phone flew up in the air, only for the newcomer to catch it with practiced ease.

“Not interested, bro.”

- What the hell—?!

Click.

Davey didn't hesitate for a moment before he ended the call and gave Si-Hyun a few reassuring pats on the shoulder.

“Let’s go, man. Today’s the first day Super Ribbon performs while singing! Don’t worry about the money, just focus on creating a concert that she’ll think is the best.”

‘As for the rest, I’ll handle it.’

Watching Davey walk away, the dazed Si-Hyun let out a faint, dry laugh.

He suddenly realized that there had been nothing to worry about in the first place. Just as Si-Hyun wanted to complete the orchestra, Davey had been supporting his daughter in every way he could.

In terms of influence, the mere mention of the Saint of Tionis’s name alone could cause massive waves. As for monetary issues, surely he had more than enough.

There was actually no reason for him to stress. Relieved, Si-Hyun chuckled and followed after him.

* * *

While there were many points the group couldn’t agree on, there was one thing every single person present unanimously gave their full support to—Super Ribbon would sing while playing her instrument.

Of course, that wasn't something one should find in a standard classical orchestra. However, their goal had always been something more experimental, centered around Super Ribbon instead of tradition.

Super Ribbon chose to play her gayageum, the start of her music career.

While it usually stood out somewhat awkwardly and felt a bit out of place among the other instruments, with Mute’s help, Si-Hyun composed a piece that let it blend in naturally.

Everyone watched Super Ribbon nervously. Feeling their pressure and expectations weigh on her, she hesitated to start.

Some wore expressions that said they’d expected it, while others simply waited patiently for her to begin.

She raised her hand to the gayageum’s strings, only to lower it again. She repeated the same hesitant motion a few times without result.

As she continued to hesitate, Mute, who had been silently holding her violin, nudged a crumpled ball of paper at her feet before kicking it toward Davey.

A slight tilt of her head was all it took to convey her intention. She was telling him to start.

Taking her silent cue, Davey chuckled and began slowly tapping the keys on a piano. A beautiful and soft melody laid down the foundation, and Super Ribbon flinched, turning her head in surprise.

‘It’s okay. Don’t be afraid, just do it your way.’

His gaze said it all.

Taking a short breath, Super Ribbon finally plucked the strings of her gayageum with smooth, elegant movements.

Normally, the sound might’ve been drowned out by other instruments, but her gayageum rang out with crystal clarity thanks to magical enhancements on it.

“Ahhh~”

An astonishingly pure and beautiful voice filled the space.

People say the first step is the hardest. Once Super Ribbon started, her performance and singing followed seamlessly. The maestros responded in kind, executing their parts to perfection and creating a harmony that was nothing short of breathtaking.

Synergy bred more synergy.

Though these geniuses had technically retired from the industry, they had already made names for themselves before then using their music. Their performances in the new orchestra went beyond individual excellence. They amplified each other’s playing, with the resonance further highlighting Super Ribbon’s performance and voice.

Her own incredible talent added yet another layer of synergy over the top.

Meanwhile, Davey and Mute refrained from stepping forward to give any guidance or leads. Instead, they filled in the gaps, supporting the others quietly where they were needed.

If the two of them stepped in with their full effort, they could most certainly overwhelm everyone in the room. However, that wouldn’t help Super Ribbon at all.

Some of the musicians seemed to catch on, shooting surprised glances at Davey and Mute mid-performance.

The group’s short performance soon came to a close. Super Ribbon sat still in the center of the silence.

Without daring to even breathe loudly, the performers, as if under a spell, rose to their feet, drenched in sweat.

“That was perfect! I've never experienced such an immaculate, exhilarating harmony in my life!”

“I couldn’t agree more!”

It wasn’t just Super Ribbon’s talent that created such a spectacle. It was the subtle support from Davey and Mute, along with the rare synergy among reclusive and temperamental masters.

“Everyone, you did amazing!” She cheered with excitement. “This was so moving, I could cry. I have no regrets at all with this performance.”

“Fufu. I haven’t felt my blood boil like this since I was young. Isn’t that right, Juliana?” Cellist Bachtobel, hands trembling around his cello, looked to Juliana, who nodded with a soft smile.

“You’re right, Professor. I’m already itching to perform it again. I even want to try a different piece.”

Like someone who discovers a new game and becomes obsessed, their passion burned bright.

Si-Hyun, watching them with a satisfied look, pulled up the video recording of their performance just then.

“Everyone, how about we trim part of this opening title music and post it online?” he suggested, much to their surprise.

“Hm?”

“What are you talking about?”

He continued, “Don’t you want to see how people react to it?”

Normally, they would’ve brushed off such an idea as nonsense. Then again, deep down, each of them was curious. They wanted to know how different the public would see them from themselves.

Of course, to be frank, most of them seemed convinced it’d receive overwhelming praise regardless. There was no way they could lose!

“Our goal is to deliver the best performance in a short time. We’re not trying to show off perfection.”

Feedback was more than welcome.

At his suggestion, Mute simply shrugged, gesturing as if to say ‘do as you like.’ She then turned to her student. “Davey, the future of music looks bright with these young talents. Well... I guess some of them aren’t exactly young.”

“Humans don’t even live 100 years,” he reminded her.

“Can you shut up for once?”

Watching Mute and Davey bicker, Si-Hyun smiled contentedly. “Everyone, thank you for your hard work. That’s it for today’s practice! Let’s take it one step at a time with the remaining pieces.”

Hardly able to wait for the public’s reaction, Si-Hyun immediately sat down with Juliana and uploaded the full recording to a video site.

* * *

A few days passed.

Si-Hyun couldn’t help but smile.

Juliana suddenly exclaimed, “Oh, Jesus... Si-Hyun, did you submit this to Billaboard? I thought we agreed it was a test, so why is it on the biggest music tracker in the world?”

Si-Hyun was just as surprised as them. “Huh? No? I didn’t submit anything there.”

“Then why are you ranked number one?”

“What...?”

“Look, right there. It’s under your name,” she pointed out.

“What in the world?”

“Don’t tell me... you ignored all the contact requests we got?”

He quickly averted his gaze. “Uh. Ummm.”

“I swear, I can’t with you...”

It wasn’t a pop song. It was a single performance blended with a song.

Yet, somehow, it made it onto the Billaboard charts.

Not just that—it was number one.

They were now flooded with explosive reactions and expectations; people lining up to sponsor them; and even requests begging for a live performance.

There were even some who were already excited by the purported news that nine more unreleased tracks still remained.

Clearly, Brady’s blackmail had never mattered in the first place.

Taking a deep breath, Si-Hyun threw his arms around the wildly excited Juliana, the two of them shouting in joy.

The one who gained the most fame overnight was Super Ribbon. Like a singer who crushed the Billaboard charts out of nowhere, her image began to spread like wildfire.

“Ugh. This isn’t what I wanted...”

Though, judging by her expression, she seemed less than thrilled.